The body recovered from a lake in Cheshire has been formally identified as 38-year-old Rachel Booth, a mother of three who went missing from her Barnton home over the weekend, police confirmed this morning.
Cheshire Constabulary said the body found on Monday by specialist search teams at a lake in Oakmere was that of Ms Booth, who was reported missing in the early hours of Saturday after being last seen at 3:50am on CCTV at a Shell petrol station in Sandiway.
The tragic discovery has prompted an outpouring of grief from her family, who revealed in a heartfelt statement that Ms Booth was known to them as Helena.
Family’s Emotional Tribute
Rachel, who was known to us as Helena, was a cherished member of our family,” the family said in a statement released through police. “She was a guiding light whose strengths, love, and devotion touched us all.”
The tribute continued: “Her kindness was constant and her presence a strength to everyone she knew, a loving mother, wife, daughter and sister who can never be replaced but always present in our hearts.”
“Her absence leaves a space, but her smiles are a memory we will treasure forever.”
The family also expressed gratitude to those involved in the search effort, adding: “As a family we would also like to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation to all the services and business that supported Cheshire Police and their officers during the search for Rachel.
Extensive Search Operation
Ms Booth, described as 5ft 9ins tall, of slim build with blonde hair, was captured on CCTV entering the Shell garage on the A556 in Sandiway, approximately seven miles from her home. She was wearing black leggings and a black top at the time.
Police launched an extensive search operation after her family reported her missing later that morning. Officers believed she had travelled to the Oakmere area of Delamere, where search efforts were concentrated.
The Wild Shore Delamere water sports centre, located at Delamere Lake Sailing and Holiday Park on Chester Road, was cordoned off as part of the investigation after Ms Booth’s belongings were found near the lake.
Multi-Agency Response
On Sunday, Cheshire Police confirmed that specialist divers had begun searching the water. The operation involved multiple agencies including underwater search teams and Cheshire Search and Rescue.
Two underwater search units were seen arriving at the scene on Monday morning, alongside an incident command unit and police dogs vehicle. Roads leading to the lake were cordoned off throughout the search.
The entrance to Wild Shore was sealed with police tape, and officers maintained a presence at the holiday park, moving cones to allow emergency vehicles through.
Water Sports Centre Closure
Wild Shore Delamere, a popular water-based adventure hub offering activities including wakeboarding, paddleboarding and an aqua park, announced its closure “due to ongoing police investigations in the surrounding area.
The centre, situated 12 miles east of Chester in rural Cheshire, said in a statement: “This incident is unrelated to Wild Shore – however we wish to help as much as possible – so we will be closing the site until further notice.”
The 120-acre lake serves as the focal point for the holiday park and water sports activities, surrounded by Cheshire’s largest area of woodland near Delamere Forest Park.
Police Statement
A Cheshire Constabulary spokesman said today: “Police searching for a missing woman from Northwich have sadly found a body. Rachel Booth was reported missing from the Barnton area of Northwich on Saturday, July 19 by her family.
“Officers have been searching tirelessly for the 38-year-old since her disappearance. Following extensive appeals and searches in the area, officers have now sadly recovered a body in a lake in Oakmere.
“Formal identification has taken place and has confirmed it is that of Rachel. Her family have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers. They have requested privacy at this time.”
The spokesman added: “There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
Community Impact
The tragedy has deeply affected the local community in Barnton, a residential area near Northwich known for its close-knit atmosphere. Ms Booth had lived in the area with her three children.
The Grade II listed Park Hotel, situated in the heart of Diss town centre adjacent to the mere, represents a different community entirely from the Cheshire location where Ms Booth’s body was found.
Police thanked local businesses for their patience and understanding during the search operation, which required significant resources and disrupted normal activities around the Delamere area.
Investigation Continues
Whilst police have stated there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, standard procedures require a full report to be prepared for the coroner.
The formal identification process was completed on Tuesday morning, allowing the family to begin making funeral arrangements during this difficult time.
Specialist family liaison officers continue to support Ms Booth’s husband and children as they come to terms with their loss.
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